Eirenopolis

The fourth Gate

Is Recompense, or Satisfaction; ⟨p. 68⟩and this we may liken to Cripple-gate. It is the lamest way to peace, yet a way: it is a halting gate, but a gate. It were far better coming into this City by any of the former gates, yet better at this then none. All come not in by Innocence, nor all by Patience, nor all by Beneficence: but if they have failed in these, they must be admitted by recompense, or not at all. The first best is to do no injury; the next is Satisfaction, to make amends for that we have done. ⟨p. 69⟩Hortensins said of his mother, Ego nunquam cum ea inivi gratiam, I never was reconciled to her, because we two never fell out. O that the Inhabitants of this city could say so of their neighbours; We never were made friends, because we never were foes.¹ But as our Saviour saith, It is necessary that offences do come: not that it should be so, but that it will be so. There is no necessity that compels a man to sin; except that the heart being evil, will give offence. ⟨p. 70⟩As it is necessary for him that comes to the fire, to be made hot:² but there is no necessity that he come unto the fire.

Is Recompence, or Satisfaction; ⟨p. 68⟩and this we may liken to Creeple-gate. It is the lamest way to peace, yet a way: it is a halting gate, but a gate. It were far better comming into this Citie by any of the former gates, yet better at this then none. All come not in by Innocence, nor all by Patience, nor all by Beneficence: but if they haue failed in these, they must be admitted by recompence, or not at all. The first best is to do no iniury; the next is Satisfaction, to make amends for that wee haue done.